25/08/2010

From visualizing in computer drawings I moved on to visualizing in model. I have been working mainly with the center arena to try to figure out:

how to shape the new element that I introduse (yellow on the drawing/blue in the model).

how to get more of the activity out in the arena space.

how to connect the two stories.

how much I could alter the original layout (take away seating stars etc.) without destroying the qualities of the space.

I am introducing an element that follows the inside of the construction, sometimes together with the seating stairs, sometimes in stead of them. In this structure I integrate some vertical connections between the two original stories, some rooms going into the arena space, and some platforms/levels.

I try to make spaces that can be used in the everyday activity at the school like:

small open air amphitheaters for teaching, training and showing

spaces to display arts

spaces to create (drawing, sculpturing etc.)

places to eat, meet and hang out

and of course a large stage for bigger concerts and events

I have tried out using some box element in this structure to create rooms that are open towards the center space.

By extending the element through the entrance and out in the public space I can invite people to participate in the activity and connect the school to the city life.

Anders, a friend of mine who's an acoustic consultant, visited me at the studio this week end to have a look at the project. We discussed the acoustic qualities and challenges and I wrote down a list of things to remember:

The wall behind the stage should be patterned to diffuse the reflections.

The roof over the stage should reflect the sound evenly towards the spectators.

Make space for sound absorbers.The best absorber is an opening towards the outside.

The roof should have some absorbing qualities or let some sound through it.

The small amphitheaters will work better if the ground in front is hard.

03/08/2010

I've made the first dummy of how my final presentation can look, to get an impression of sizes and amount of material. This will probably be revised a dozen of times, but it is nice to have something to work with.

I just came back to the studio after a three weeks vacation. Before leaving I had an intensive CAD-week to get the first draft of the building into a cad model.

ground floor

first floor

The intension was to put the specialized arts teaching rooms on top of these two floors as a new structure.

I got some useful feedback from Steffen, one of my tutors, and Andreas, a friend from TYIN tegnestue. One tip was to attach the activity more closely to the center arena to make this space more important. I will also have to play more, not only getting the scheme to work, but to create something vibrant and fun. The following week I'm going to spend some time taking a step backwords, and make some scethes of how I want this school to be in the end. I will try to update the model as I go, and hopefully get some new altenatives fast.

About Me

This blog is where I, day by day, log, think and work my way through my master thesis in architecture at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The project consists of designing a combined arts, dance and music school in Maputo, Mozambique.
I started this blog while I was doing an intensive four week field work in Maputo, from the 27th of january until the 24th of february. Now I am back in Trondheim, working out the project.